A timing system that includes a glyph associated with an object to be timed and at least one camera for capturing images of the glyph or associated object. A computer generates a virtual line, associates the virtual line with at least one of the images, and determines when the glyph or associated object intersects, crosses or has crossed the virtual line. A database records the identity of the glyph and the time that the glyph or associated object intersected or crossed the virtual line. The invention also relates to a related method for determining the time a glyph or object associated therewith passes a predetermined point or line.